User:Mousemambo/Document draft: Difference between revisions

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{{Mbox|type=notice|text=This page is a detailed thinking-out-loud sketch of what a guide might look like for detailing how to use Surge XT set to alternative (non-12-EDO) tunings in Reaper. It might become a (retitled) main-area Xen wiki page. It might become part of a larger document also describing how other popular but less full-featured synths or samplers can be used for microtonal music in Reaper. It might become part of a larger document also describing how Surge XT can be used for microtonal music in other DAWs. ALERT: I am currently exploring the option of expanding it just a bit to incorporate another synth or two that has to be used differently than Surge XT, but some sections still include older text that presumes the article is just about Surge XT and Reaper.}}

'''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Tuning a Synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''

'''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Guide to Tuning a Software Synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''

This guide describes alternative methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative tuning systems with a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and procedures for configuring the software using that method. The examples will use the Surge XT synth running inside the Reaper DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths and DAWs. Therefore this guide will go into some detail to help give you the understanding needed to use these tuning methods with other synth-DAW combinations.

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Just want to start playing? You can skip ahead to the section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 2: Set a tuning using a Scala tuning file and keyboard mapping file|Set a tuning using a Scala tuning file and keyboard mapping file]]."

There are many other ways to create music with alternative tuning, like using [[List of music software|other software]], your voice, or a [[Instruments|physical ~~music~~ instrument]]. This guide only explores one: a synth in a DAW. Don't know what "alternative tuning" means? Please visit the Xenharmonic wiki [[Main Page|Main page]].

There are many other ways to create music with alternative tuning, like using [[List of music software|other software]], your voice, or a [[Instruments|physical musical instrument]]. This guide only explores one: a synth in a DAW. Don't know what "alternative tuning" means? Please visit the Xenharmonic wiki's [[Main Page|Main page]].

== Introduction==

[TODO: Generalize this paragraph.] Surge XT can be used within the Reaper DAW to create music set in microtonal or other uncommon tuning systems using several methods. Which method you use will depend on the larger context in which you're working and your specific needs, which will be explored below. Reaper is a popular and inexpensive DAW that fully supports all of Surge XT's possibilities for using alternative tuning systems. This tutorial was last verified using Surge XT version 1.2.3 and Reaper version 6.80 in August 2023.

You'll find links below to sections of the "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently just a draft] that will offer you a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.

You'll find links below to sections of the Xen wiki's "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently just a draft] that will offer you a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.

This tutorial's instructions assume you have Surge XT and Reaper installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also assume you are using a standard piano keyboard (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form.

This tutorial's instructions assume you have Surge XT and Reaper installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also assume you are using a standard [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form, although other keyboards are supported by these instructions.

However, Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, Method 1 or Method 2 given below can be used to re-tune Surge XT.

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## In Surge XT's Menu (found in the bottom right corner) select the Tuning option, then choose "Load .scl tuning..."

##Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity] Scala tuning files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [something beginners might have read about and would recognize,] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [something named in condensed code like] ED3-12.scl.

##* Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, Surge XT might assume a default tonic frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first note specified in the tuning file as MIDI Note C.60 and the reference pitch as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it does not. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tonic of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is close but not international standard.] However, if we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI 65, 349.23 Hz), we need to use a keyboard mapping file to ensure the tuning is correct.

##* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods of establishing tunings.]

##* Remember that when you load a Scala tuning file you should always load a keyboard mapping file to prevent mistuned surprises. To learn more about how to use Scala tuning and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, see [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]].

##* [Say something here about tuning file naming standards, and they extremely terse abbreviations used for some classes of tunings.]

~~#Load a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm), for example the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file [which *is* international ISO tuning standard~~].

#Load a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm), for example the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file [which *is* international ISO tuning standard]. [Note here that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files]

#*Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, Surge XT might assume a default tonic frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first note specified in the tuning file as MIDI Note C.60 and the reference pitch as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it does not. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tonic of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is close but not international standard.] However, if we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI 65, 349.23 Hz), we need to use a keyboard mapping file to ensure the tuning is correct.

#*Remember that when you load a Scala tuning file you should always load a keyboard mapping file to prevent mistuned surprises. To learn more about how to use Scala tuning and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, see [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]].

#Optionally, if you understand Scala tuning and mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's Tuning editor at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.

#Optionally, test the tuning to ensure it is correct.

@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 {{Mbox|type=notice|text=This page is a detailed thinking-out-loud sketch of what a guide might look like for detailing how to use Surge XT set to alternative (non-12-EDO) tunings in Reaper. It might become a (retitled) main-area Xen wiki page. It might become part of a larger document also describing how other popular but less full-featured synths or samplers can be used for microtonal music in Reaper. It might become part of a larger document also describing how Surge XT can be used for microtonal music in other DAWs. ALERT: I am currently exploring the option of expanding it just a bit to incorporate another synth or two that has to be used differently than Surge XT, but some sections still include older text that presumes the article is just about Surge XT and Reaper.}}
-'''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Tuning a Synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''
+'''DRAFT''' ==== Proposed page title: '''<big>Guide to Tuning a Software Synth in a DAW</big>''' ==== '''DRAFT'''
 This guide describes alternative methods for making music set in microtonal or other alternative tuning systems with a [[List of microtonal software plugins#Instrument plugins with microtonal support|software synthesizer]] running inside a [[DAWs|digital audio workstation (DAW)]]. It describes scenarios in which each of those methods are effective, and procedures for configuring the software using that method. The examples will use the Surge XT synth running inside the Reaper DAW, but similar procedures and reasoning will apply to other synths and DAWs. Therefore this guide will go into some detail to help give you the understanding needed to use these tuning methods with other synth-DAW combinations.
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 Just want to start playing? You can skip ahead to the section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Method 2: Set a tuning using a Scala tuning file and keyboard mapping file|Set a tuning using a Scala tuning file and keyboard mapping file]]."
-There are many other ways to create music with alternative tuning, like using [[List of music software|other software]], your voice, or a [[Instruments|physical music instrument]]. This guide only explores one: a synth in a DAW. Don't know what "alternative tuning" means? Please visit the Xenharmonic wiki [[Main Page|Main page]].
+There are many other ways to create music with alternative tuning, like using [[List of music software|other software]], your voice, or a [[Instruments|physical musical instrument]]. This guide only explores one: a synth in a DAW. Don't know what "alternative tuning" means? Please visit the Xenharmonic wiki's [[Main Page|Main page]].
 == Introduction==
 [TODO: Generalize this paragraph.] Surge XT can be used within the Reaper DAW to create music set in microtonal or other uncommon tuning systems using several methods. Which method you use will depend on the larger context in which you're working and your specific needs, which will be explored below. Reaper is a popular and inexpensive DAW that fully supports all of Surge XT's possibilities for using alternative tuning systems. This tutorial was last verified using Surge XT version 1.2.3 and Reaper version 6.80 in August 2023.
-You'll find links below to sections of the "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently just a draft] that will offer you a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.
+You'll find links below to sections of the Xen wiki's "[[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods|Tuning methods]]" article [currently just a draft] that will offer you a deeper understanding of the components used here and how they work.
-This tutorial's instructions assume you have Surge XT and Reaper installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also assume you are using a standard piano keyboard (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form.
+This tutorial's instructions assume you have Surge XT and Reaper installed on your computer. They also assume that you know how to create an instrument track in Reaper and load a plugin instrument like Surge XT onto it, but if you don't then instructions can be found below in the Appendix section "[[User:Mousemambo/Document draft#Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW|Create an instrument track in the Reaper DAW]]." The instructions also assume you are using a standard [[Keyboard|piano keyboard]] (i.e. Halberstadt format) in virtual or physical form, although other keyboards are supported by these instructions.
 However, Surge XT can also run in standalone mode, without any DAW. A significant drawback to that configuration is you won't be able to record your playing as MIDI notes, unless you have some additional component doing the recording. The common use cases for running Surge XT in standalone mode are for live performance where you don't want the extra complexity of running a DAW, or when you're just playing casually and don't need to record MIDI. In standalone mode, Method 1 or Method 2 given below can be used to re-tune Surge XT.
@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 ## In Surge XT's Menu (found in the bottom right corner) select the Tuning option, then choose "Load .scl tuning..."
 ##Use the resulting file selection popup to choose one of the [ideally 12-tone for keyboard mapping simplicity] Scala tuning files that come with Surge XT, e.g. [something beginners might have read about and would recognize,] like just intonation's Ptolemy_intense_diatonic.scl or meantone's WerckmeisterIII_equal_beating.scl, or instead choose [something named in condensed code like] ED3-12.scl.
-##* Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, Surge XT might assume a default tonic frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first note specified in the tuning file as MIDI Note C.60 and the reference pitch as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it does not. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tonic of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is close but not international standard.] However, if we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI 65, 349.23 Hz), we need to use a keyboard mapping file to ensure the tuning is correct.
+##* [Say something about tuning files and what they do, along with that they use various methods of establishing tunings.]
-##* Remember that when you load a Scala tuning file you should always load a keyboard mapping file to prevent mistuned surprises. To learn more about how to use Scala tuning and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, see [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]].
+##* [Say something here about tuning file naming standards, and they extremely terse abbreviations used for some classes of tunings.]
-#Load a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm), for example the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file [which *is* international ISO tuning standard].
+#Load a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm), for example the "Halberstadt 60-440-69.kbm" file [which *is* international ISO tuning standard]. [Note here that other keyboard layouts are supported by other keyboard mapping files]
+#*Note that without a Scala keyboard mapping file (.kbm) also loaded, Surge XT might assume a default tonic frequency and keyboard mapping that sets the first note specified in the tuning file as MIDI Note C.60 and the reference pitch as international ISO standard pitch (MIDI A.69=440.000Hz). [Or will it? Seems undocumented. In fact, it does not. Default in Surge XT 1.2.3 is a tonic of C.60 and the reference pitch is C.60=261.626Hz, which is close but not international standard.] However, if we are using a just intonation scale and music with a tonic of F (F4, MIDI 65, 349.23 Hz), we need to use a keyboard mapping file to ensure the tuning is correct.
+#*Remember that when you load a Scala tuning file you should always load a keyboard mapping file to prevent mistuned surprises. To learn more about how to use Scala tuning and keyboard mapping files, including what to do when your instrument doesn't offer the option to load a keyboard mapping file, see [[User:Mousemambo/Tuning methods#Tuning files|Tuning methods]].
 #Optionally, if you understand Scala tuning and mapping data, you may wish to open Surge XT's Tuning editor at this time (Menu > Tuning > Open tuning editor...) to confirm the correct data was loaded from the files.
 #Optionally, test the tuning to ensure it is correct.